U.S. patent application number 15/000675 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for method for producing chemically strengthened glass.
This patent application is currently assigned to Asahi Glass Company, Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Asahi Glass Company, Limited. Invention is credited to Yusuke FUJIWARA, lzuru KASHIMA, Daisuke KOBAYASHI, Yoichi SERA, Yuichi SUZUKI, Kiyoshi TAMAI, Taku YAMADA.
Application Number | 20160207828 15/000675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52346214 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160207828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KASHIMA; lzuru ; et
al. |
July 21, 2016 |
METHOD FOR PRODUCING CHEMICALLY STRENGTHENED GLASS
Abstract
A method for producing a chemically strengthened glass,
including a step of bringing a glass containing sodium into contact
with an inorganic salt containing potassium nitrate, thereby
performing ion exchange of a Na ion in the glass with a K ion in
the inorganic salt, in which the inorganic salt contains at least
one salt selected from the group consisting of K.sub.2CO.sub.3,
Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, KHCO.sub.3, NaHCO.sub.3, K.sub.3PO.sub.4,
Na.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.2SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, KOH and NaOH,
and the method includes: a step of washing the glass after the ion
exchange; a step of subjecting the glass to an acid treatment after
the washing; and a step of subjecting the glass to an alkali
treatment after the acid treatment.
Inventors: |
KASHIMA; lzuru; (Tokyo,
JP) ; FUJIWARA; Yusuke; (Tokyo, JP) ; TAMAI;
Kiyoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; SUZUKI; Yuichi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; KOBAYASHI; Daisuke; (Tokyo, JP) ; SERA;
Yoichi; (Tokyo, JP) ; YAMADA; Taku; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Asahi Glass Company, Limited |
Chiyoda-ku |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Asahi Glass Company,
Limited
Chiyoda-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
52346214 |
Appl. No.: |
15/000675 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2014/068832 |
Jul 15, 2014 |
|
|
|
15000675 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C03C 23/0075 20130101;
C03C 21/006 20130101; G01B 5/28 20130101; C03C 21/002 20130101;
C03C 3/091 20130101; C03C 3/085 20130101; C03C 15/00 20130101; C03C
3/087 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C03C 21/00 20060101
C03C021/00; C03C 23/00 20060101 C03C023/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 19, 2013 |
JP |
2013-151116 |
Claims
1. A method for producing a chemically strengthened glass,
comprising a step of bringing a glass containing sodium into
contact with an inorganic salt containing potassium nitrate,
thereby performing ion exchange of a Na ion in the glass with a K
ion in the inorganic salt, wherein the inorganic salt contains at
least one salt selected from the group consisting of
K.sub.2CO.sub.3, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, KHCO.sub.3, NaHCO.sub.3,
K.sub.3PO.sub.4, Na.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.2SO.sub.4,
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, KOH and NaOH, and the method comprises: a step of
washing the glass after the ion exchange; a step of subjecting the
glass to an acid treatment after the washing; and a step of
subjecting the glass to an alkali treatment after the acid
treatment.
2. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic salt has a sodium
content of 500 ppm by weight or more.
3. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic salt contains
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 in an amount of 0.1 mol % or more.
4. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, comprising a step of washing the glass after
the acid treatment.
5. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, comprising a step of washing the glass after
the alkali treatment.
6. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein a solution having a pH of less than 7
is used in the acid treatment.
7. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 6, wherein the solution having the pH of less
than 7 is a weak acid.
8. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 6, wherein the solution having the pH of less
than 7 is a strong acid.
9. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein the acid treatment is performed at a
temperature of 100.degree. C. or lower.
10. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein a time for performing the acid
treatment is from 10 seconds to 5 hours.
11. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 6, wherein the solution having the pH of less
than 7 has a concentration of from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %.
12. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein a solution having a pH of more than 7
is used in the alkali treatment.
13. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 12, wherein the solution having the pH of more
than 7 is a weak base.
14. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 12, wherein the solution having the pH of more
than 7 is a strong base.
15. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein the alkali treatment is performed at
a temperature of from 0 to 100.degree. C.
16. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein a time for performing the alkali
treatment is from 10 seconds to 5 hours.
17. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 12, wherein the solution having the pH of more
than 7 has a concentration of from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %.
18. The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to claim 1, wherein the chemically strengthened glass has
a thickness of 5 mm or less.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a
chemically strengthened glass.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In flat panel display devices such as digital cameras,
mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc., in order
to protect displays and enhance the appearance thereof, a thin
plate-like cover glass is disposed on the front surface of the
display so as to provide a broader region than an image display
portion. Although the glass has a high theoretical strength, when
scratched, its strength is largely lowered, and therefore, for the
cover glass that is required to satisfy strength, a chemically
strengthened glass having a compressive stress layer formed on the
surface thereof through ion exchange or the like is used.
[0003] With the growing demand for weight reduction and thickness
reduction in flat panel display devices, it is desired to thin
cover glass itself. Accordingly, for satisfying the purpose, both
the surfaces and the edge surfaces of cover glass are desired to
have further strength.
[0004] For increasing the strength of the chemically strengthened
glass, heretofore, a surface etching treatment to be conducted
after chemical strengthening treatment is known (Patent Document
1).
[0005] Here, regarding the strength of glass, it is known that the
strength of glass is lowered by the existence of hydrogen (water)
in glass (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).
BACKGROUND ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0006] Patent Document 1: JP-T-2013-516387
Non-Patent Document
[0006] [0007] Non-Patent Document 1: S. ITO et. al., "Crack
Blunting of High-Silica Glass", Journal of the American Ceramic
Society, Vol. 65, No. 8, (1982), 368-371 [0008] Non-Patent Document
2: Won-Taek Han et. al., "Effect of residual water in silica glass
on static fatigue", Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 127, (1991)
97-104
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0009] The present inventors have found that there is a concern
that the strength of glass is lowered after the chemical
strengthening, and the major cause thereof is that moisture in the
atmosphere penetrates into the glass surface layer to form chemical
defects. Further, the present inventors have found that this
phenomenon occurs not only through chemical strengthening but also
through a heating step in glass production process.
[0010] As a technique for removing moisture from a glass surface
layer, it may be considered to chip off the moisture-containing
layer according to a technique of polishing the glass surface after
chemical strengthening or according to a technique of subjecting
the glass surface after chemical strengthening to an etching
treatment by immersing in hydrofluoric acid or the like. However,
there is a concern that the surface of glass is scratched by
polishing so that the strength thereof rather lowers. Further,
there is a concern that polishing increases warpage of glass. In
addition, in a case where the glass surface has latent flaws, there
is a concern that the etching treatment using hydrofluoric acid or
the like grows the latent flaws to cause appearance failure owing
to pits. Further, hydrofluoric acid requires careful handling in
view of safety.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a
chemically strengthened glass capable of effectively preventing the
strength of glass from lowering even after performing chemical
strengthening.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0012] The present inventors have found that the strength of glass
can be improved dramatically through chemical strengthening with an
inorganic salt containing a specific salt followed by subjecting
the glass to an acid treatment and an alkali treatment, without
polishing the glass surface after chemical strengthening or
subjecting the glass surface after chemical strengthening to the
etching treatment using hydrofluoric acid or the like, and have
completed the present invention.
[0013] Namely, the present invention is as shown below.
<1> A method for producing a chemically strengthened glass,
including a step of bringing a glass containing sodium into contact
with an inorganic salt containing potassium nitrate, thereby
performing ion exchange of a Na ion in the glass with a K ion in
the inorganic salt,
[0014] in which the inorganic salt contains at least one salt
selected from the group consisting of K.sub.2CO.sub.3,
Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, KHCO.sub.3, NaHCO.sub.3, K.sub.3PO.sub.4,
Na.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.2SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4,
[0015] KOH and NaOH, and
[0016] the method includes:
[0017] a step of washing the glass after the ion exchange;
[0018] a step of subjecting the glass to an acid treatment after
the washing; and
[0019] a step of subjecting the glass to an alkali treatment after
the acid treatment.
<2> The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass
according to <1>, in which the inorganic salt has a sodium
content of 500 ppm by weight or more. <3> The method for
producing a chemically strengthened glass according to <1> or
<2>, in which the inorganic salt contains K.sub.2CO.sub.3 in
an amount of 0.1 mol % or more. <4> A chemically strengthened
glass obtained by the production method according to any one of
<1> to <3>.
Advantage of the Invention
[0020] According to the method for producing a chemically
strengthened glass of the present invention, it is possible to
obtain a chemically strengthened glass having an improved strength
without polishing or subjecting an etching treatment using
hydrofluoric acid or the like after chemical strengthening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 A schematic view showing a production process of a
chemically strengthened glass according to the present invention is
shown in (a) to (d) of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic view for explaining a method of a
ball-on-ring test.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a graph of plotting the hydrogen concentration
profile in the surface layer of each chemically strengthened glass
obtained in Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1 and
Comparative Example 2.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a graph of plotting the hydrogen concentration
profile in the surface layer of each chemically strengthened glass
obtained in Example 3, Example 4 and Comparative Example 3.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for deriving the relational
equation (I) from the graph of plotting the hydrogen concentration
profile in the surface layer of the chemically strengthened glass
obtained in Example 1.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view for deriving the relational
equation (I) from the graph of plotting the hydrogen concentration
profile in the surface layer of the chemically strengthened glass
obtained in Comparative Example 1.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a Weibull plot of BOR strength evaluation of each
of chemically strengthened glasses obtained in Example 1 and
Comparative Example 1.
[0028] FIG. 8 is an AFM image of the chemically strengthened glass
surface of Reference Example 1.
[0029] FIG. 9 is an AFM image of the chemically strengthened glass
surface of Example 1.
[0030] FIGS. 10A to 10C are images in observation with a scanning
electron microscope of the chemically strengthened glass surfaces
in Comparative Example 10, Example 9 and Comparative Example
11.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention is hereunder described in detail, but
it should not be construed that the present invention is limited to
the following embodiments, and the present invention may be
arbitrarily modified and carried out within the range where the
gist of the present invention is not deviated.
[0032] Here, in the present specification, "% by mass" has the same
meaning as that of "% by weight", and "ppm by mass" has the same
meaning as that of "ppm by weight". Simple expression of "ppm"
indicates "ppm by weight".
<Method for Producing Chemically Strengthened Glass>
[0033] One embodiment of the method for producing a chemically
strengthened glass of the present invention is described below, to
which, however, the present invention is not limited.
(Glass Composition)
[0034] Glass for use in the present invention may be any one
containing sodium, and so far as it has a composition capable of
being shaped and strengthened through chemical strengthening
treatment, various types of compositions can be used. Specifically,
for example, there are mentioned an aluminosilicate glass, a
soda-lime glass, a boron silicate glass, a lead glass, an alkali
barium glass, an aluminoborosilicate glass, etc.
[0035] The production method for a glass is not specifically
limited. Desired glass raw materials are put into a continuous
melting furnace, and the glass raw materials are melted under heat
at preferably from 1,500 to 1,600.degree. C., then refined and fed
into a shaping device to shape the molten glass into a plate-like
shape and gradually cooled to produce a glass.
[0036] Various methods may be employed for shaping a glass. For
example, various shaping processes such as a down-draw process (for
example, an overflow down-draw process, a slot-down process, a
redraw process, etc.), a float process, a roll-out process, and a
pressing process may be employed.
[0037] The thickness of a glass is not specifically limited, but
for effectively conducting chemical strengthening treatment, in
general, the thickness thereof is preferably 5 mm or less, more
preferably 3 mm or less.
[0038] The shape of a glass for use in the present invention is not
specifically limited. For example, various shapes of a glass such
as a plate-like shape having a uniform thickness, a curved shape in
which at least one of the front surface or the back surface is
curved, and a three-dimensional shape having a bend portion are
employable.
[0039] Although the composition of the chemically strengthened
glass of the present invention is not specifically limited, for
example, the following glass compositions may be mentioned.
[0040] (i) Glass having a composition including, in terms of mol %,
from 50 to 80% of SiO.sub.2, from 2 to 25% of Al.sub.2O.sub.3, from
0 to 10% of Li.sub.2O, from 0 to 18% of Na.sub.2O, from 0 to 10% of
K.sub.2O, from 0 to 15% of MgO, from 0 to 5% of CaO and from 0 to
5% of ZrO.sub.2.
[0041] (ii) Glass having a composition including, in terms of mol
%, from 50 to 74% of SiO.sub.2, from 1 to 10% of Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
from 6 to 14% of Na.sub.2O, from 3 to 11% of K.sub.2O, from 2 to
15% of MgO, from 0 to 6% of CaO and from 0 to 5% of ZrO.sub.2, in
which the total content of SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2O.sub.3 is 75% or
less, the total content of Na.sub.2O and K.sub.2O is from 12 to
25%, and the total content of MgO and CaO is from 7 to 15%.
[0042] (iii) Glass having a composition including, in terms of mol
%, from 68 to 80% of SiO.sub.2, from 4 to 10% of Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
from 5 to 15% of Na.sub.2O, from 0 to 1% of K.sub.2O, from 4 to 15%
of MgO and from 0 to 1% of ZrO.sub.2.
[0043] (iv) Glass having a composition including, in terms of mol
%, from 67 to 75% of SiO.sub.2, from 0 to 4% of Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
from 7 to 15% of Na.sub.2O, from 1 to 9% of K.sub.2O, from 6 to 14%
of MgO and from 0 to 1.5% of ZrO.sub.2, in which the total content
of SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2O.sub.3 is from 71 to 75%, the total
content of Na.sub.2O and K.sub.2O is from 12 to 20%, and the
content of CaO, if any, is less than 1%.
[0044] The chemically strengthened glass of the present invention
has an ion-exchanged compressive stress layer in the surface
thereof. In the ion exchange method, the surface of a glass is
ion-exchanged to form a surface layer in which compressive stress
remains. Specifically, the alkali metal ion (typically Li ion, Na
ion) having a small ionic radius in the surface of a glass sheet is
substituted with an alkali ion having a larger ionic radius
(typically Na ion or K ion for Li ion, and K ion for Na ion)
through ion exchange at a temperature not higher than the glass
transition point. Accordingly, compressive stress remains in the
surface of the glass, and the strength of the glass is thereby
increased.
[0045] In the production method of the present invention, chemical
strengthening is conducted by bringing a glass into contact with an
inorganic salt containing potassium nitrate (KNO.sub.3).
Accordingly, the Na ion in the glass surface is ion-exchanged with
the K ion in the inorganic salt to form a high-density compressive
stress layer. The method for bringing a glass into contact with an
inorganic salt includes a method of applying a pasty inorganic salt
to a glass, a method of spraying a glass with an aqueous solution
of an inorganic salt, and a method of immersing a glass in a salt
bath of a molten salt heated at a temperature not lower than the
melting point thereof, and of these, a method of immersing in a
molten salt is desirable.
[0046] The inorganic salt is preferably one having a melting point
not higher than the strain point of the glass to be strengthened
(generally 500 to 600.degree. C.), and in the present invention, a
salt containing potassium nitrate (melting point: 330.degree. C.)
is used. Containing potassium nitrate, the salt is capable of being
in a molten state at a temperature not higher than the strain point
of the glass and, in addition, capable of being easily handled in
the operating temperature range. The content of the potassium
nitrate in the inorganic salt is preferably 50% by mass or
more.
[0047] Additionally, the inorganic salt contains at least one salt
selected from the group consisting of K.sub.2CO.sub.3,
Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, KHCO.sub.3, NaHCO.sub.3, K.sub.3PO.sub.4,
Na.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.2SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, KOH and NaOH,
and above all, preferably contains at least one salt selected from
the group consisting of K.sub.2CO.sub.3, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3,
KHCO.sub.3 and NaHCO.sub.3.
[0048] The above-mentioned salt (hereinafter this may be referred
to as "fusing agent") has a property of cutting the network of a
glass typified by an Si--O--Si bond. Since the temperature at which
chemical strengthening treatment is conducted is high such as a few
hundred degrees C., the covalent bond between Si--O in a glass is
suitably cut at that temperature and therefore the density-reducing
treatment to be mentioned below for the glass can be easy to
promote.
[0049] The degree of cutting the covalent bond may vary depending
on the glass composition, the type of the salt (fusing agent) to be
used, and the chemical strengthening treatment conditions such as
the temperature and the time, but is considered to be preferably
selected from the conditions under which from 1 to 2 bonds of the
four covalent bonds extending from Si can be cut.
[0050] For example, in a case where K.sub.2CO.sub.3 is used as a
fusing agent, the content of the fusing agent in the inorganic salt
is 0.1 mol % or more and the chemical strengthening treatment
temperature is from 350 to 500.degree. C., the chemical
strengthening treatment time is preferably from 1 minute to 10
hours, more preferably from 5 minutes to 8 hours, even more
preferably from 10 minutes to 4 hours.
[0051] The amount of the fusing agent to be added is, from the
viewpoint of surface hydrogen concentration control, preferably 0.1
mol % or more, more preferably 0.5 mol % or more, even more
preferably 1 mol % or more, particularly preferably 2 mol % or
more. From the viewpoint of productivity, the amount thereof is
preferably not larger than the saturation solubility of each salt.
When the fusing agent is excessively added, there is a concern of
causing glass corrosion. For example, in a case where
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 is used as the fusing agent, the amount thereof is
preferably 24 mol % or less, more preferably 12 mol % or less,
particularly preferably 8 mol % or less.
[0052] The inorganic salt may contain any other chemical species
within a range not impairing the advantageous effects of the
present invention, in addition to potassium nitrate and the fusing
agent. For example, there are mentioned alkali chloride salts or
alkali borate salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride,
sodium borate, and potassium borate. One or more of these may be
added either singly or as combined.
[0053] The production method of the present invention is described
below with reference to examples of an embodiment in which chemical
strengthening is performed according to a method of immersing a
glass in a molten salt.
(Production of Molten Salt 1)
[0054] A molten salt may be produced according to steps mentioned
below.
Step 1a: Preparation of Potassium Nitrate Molten Salt
Step 2a: Addition of Fusing Agent to the Potassium Nitrate Molten
Salt
[0055] (Step 1a--Preparation of Potassium Nitrate Molten
Salt--)
[0056] In the step 1a, potassium nitrate is put into a container,
and melted by heating at a temperature not lower than the melting
point thereof to prepare a molten salt. The melting is conducted at
a temperature falling within a range of from the melting point
(330.degree. C.) of potassium nitrate to the boiling point
(500.degree. C.) thereof. In particular, it is more preferable that
the melting temperature is from 350 to 470.degree. C. from the
viewpoint of the balance between the surface compressive stress
(CS) to be given to a glass and the depth of the compressive stress
layer (DOL) and of the strengthening time.
[0057] Regarding the container for melting potassium nitrate,
metals, quartz, ceramics and the like can be used. Above all, from
the viewpoint of durability, metal materials are desirable, and
from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, stainless steel (SUS)
materials are preferred.
(Step 2a--Addition of Fusing Agent to the Potassium Nitrate Molten
Salt--)
[0058] In the step 2a, the above-mentioned fusing agent is added to
the potassium nitrate molten salt prepared in the step 1a, and,
while kept at a temperature falling within a certain definite
range, mixed with an impeller or the like so that the whole becomes
uniform. In a case where plural fusing agents are used, the order
of adding them is not specifically limited, and these may be added
at a time.
[0059] The temperature is preferably not lower than the melting
point of potassium nitrate, that is, preferably 330.degree. C. or
higher, more preferably from 350 to 500.degree. C. The stirring
time is preferably from 1 minute to 10 hours, more preferably from
10 minutes to 2 hours.
(Production of Molten Salt 2)
[0060] In the above-mentioned production of molten salt 1, a method
of adding a fusing agent after preparation of a molten salt of
potassium nitrate is exemplified, but apart from the method, the
molten salt may also be produced according to the following
steps.
Step 1b: Mixing of Potassium Nitrate and Fusing Agent
Step 2b: Melting of Mixed Salt of Potassium Nitrate and Fusing
Agent
[0061] (Step 1b--Mixing of Potassium Nitrate and Fusing
Agent--)
[0062] In the step 1b, potassium nitrate and a fusing agent are put
into a container and mixed with an impeller or the like. In a case
where plural fusing agents are used, the order of adding them is
not specifically limited, and these may be added at a time. The
container to be used may be the same one as that to be used in the
above-mentioned step 1a.
(Step 2b--Melting of Mixed Salt of Potassium Nitrate and Fusing
Agent--)
[0063] In the step 2b, the mixed salt obtained in the step 1b is
melted by heating. The melting is conducted at a temperature
falling within a range of from the melting point (330.degree. C.)
of potassium nitrate to the boiling point (500.degree. C.) thereof.
In particular, it is more preferable that the melting temperature
is from 350 to 470.degree. C. from the viewpoint of the balance
between the surface compressive stress (CS) to be given to a glass
and the depth of the compressive stress layer (DOL) and of the
strengthening time. The stirring time is preferably from 1 minute
to 10 hours, more preferably from 10 minutes to 2 hours.
[0064] In a case where sediments form in the molten salt obtained
through the above-mentioned step 1a and the step 2a, or through the
step 1b and the step 2b, by adding a fusing agent thereto, the
molten salt is kept statically until the sediments precipitate in
the bottom of the container, before the chemical strengthening
treatment for a glass. The sediments contain the fusing agent
exceeding the saturation solubility thereof, and salts formed
through exchange of cation in the fusing agent in the molten
salt.
[0065] The molten salt for use in the production method of the
present invention has an Na concentration of preferably 500 ppm by
weight or more, more preferably 1,000 ppm by weight or more. The Na
concentration of 500 ppm by weight or more in the molten salt is
preferred since the low-density layer can easily deepen in the acid
treatment step to be mentioned hereinunder. The upper limit of the
Na concentration is not specifically defined, and is acceptable to
a level at which a desired surface compressive stress (CS) can be
obtained.
[0066] The molten salt used for chemical strengthening treatment
once or more contains sodium released from a glass. Therefore, when
the Na concentration is already within the above-mentioned range,
glass-derived sodium may be used as such for the Na source, or when
the Na concentration is insufficient or when a fresh molten salt
that has not been used for chemical strengthening treatment is
used, the Na concentration may be controlled by adding an inorganic
sodium salt such as sodium nitrate.
[0067] As described above, a molten salt can be prepared according
to the above-mentioned step 1a and the step 2a, or the step 1b and
the step 2b.
(Chemical Strengthening)
[0068] Next, using the prepared molten salt, chemical strengthening
treatment is performed. In the chemical strengthening treatment, a
glass is immersed in a molten salt and the metal ion (Na ion) in
the glass is substituted with a metal ion (K ion) having a larger
ionic radius in the molten salt. Through the ion exchange, the
composition of the glass surface is changed, and the glass surface
is densified to form a compressive stress layer 20 [(a) to (b) in
FIG. 1]. The densification of the glass surface generates
compressive stress to strengthen the glass.
[0069] In fact, the density of chemically strengthened glass
gradually increases from the outer edge of the interlayer 30 (bulk)
existing in the center of the glass toward the surface of the
compressive stress layer, and therefore between the interlayer 30
and the compressive stress layer 20, there exists no definite
boundary at which the density suddenly changes. Here, the
interlayer means a layer existing in the center part of the glass
and surrounded by the compressive stress layer. The interlayer is a
layer not undergone ion exchange, differing from the compressive
stress layer.
[0070] Specifically, the chemical strengthening treatment in the
present invention is performed by the following step 3.
Step 3: Chemical Strengthening Treatment for Glass
(Step 3--Chemical Strengthening Treatment for Glass--)
[0071] In the step 3, a glass is preheated, and the temperature of
the molten salt prepared in the above-mentioned step 1a and the
step 2a or the step 1b and the step 2b is adjusted to a temperature
for chemical strengthening. Next, the preheated glass is immersed
in the molten salt for a predetermined period of time, then the
glass is drawn up from the molten salt and left cooled. Preferably,
prior to the chemical strengthening treatment, the glass is
processed for shaping in accordance with the use thereof, for
example, through mechanical processing such as cutting, end surface
machining, drilling, etc.
[0072] The glass preheating temperature depends on the temperature
at which the glass is immersed in a molten salt, but, in general,
preferably 100.degree. C. or higher.
[0073] The chemical strengthening temperature is preferably not
higher than the strain point of the glass to be strengthened
(generally 500 to 600.degree. C.), but for obtaining a greater
compressive stress layer depth, particularly preferably 350.degree.
C. or higher.
[0074] The immersion time for the glass in a molten salt is
preferably from 1 minute to 10 hours, more preferably from 5
minutes to 8 hours, even more preferably from 10 minutes to 4
hours. Falling within the range, it is possible to obtain a
chemically strengthened glass excellent in the balance between the
strength and the depth of the compressive stress layer.
[0075] In the production method of the present invention, the
following steps are performed after the chemical strengthening
treatment.
Step 4: Washing of the Glass
[0076] Step 5: Acid Treatment of the Glass after Step 4
[0077] At the time after the above-mentioned step 5, the glass
surface further has a low-density layer 10 in which the surface
layer of the compressive stress layer has been denatured,
specifically, the density thereof has been reduced [(b) to (c) in
FIG. 1]. The low-density layer is formed through leaching of Na and
K from the outermost surface of the compressive stress layer, and
in place of these, H has penetrated (substituted) therein.
[0078] The step 4 and the step 5 are described in detail
hereinunder.
(Step 4--Washing of Glass--)
[0079] In the step 4, the glass is washed with industrial water,
ion-exchanged water or the like. Above all, ion-exchanged water is
preferred. The washing condition may vary depending on the washing
liquid to be used, but in a case where ion-exchanged water is used,
it is preferable that the glass is washed at 0 to 100.degree. C.
from the viewpoint of completely removing the adhered salts.
(Step 5--Acid Treatment--)
[0080] In the step 5, the glass washed in the step 4 is further
subjected to an acid treatment.
[0081] In the acid treatment for a glass, a chemically strengthened
glass is immersed in an acidic solution, whereby Na and/or K in the
surface of the chemically strengthened glass can be substituted
with H.
[0082] The solution is not specifically limited so far as it is
acidic and has a pH of less than 7, in which the acid to be used
may be a weak acid or a strong acid. Specifically, the acid is
preferably hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid,
acetic acid, oxalic acid, carbonic acid, citric acid, etc. These
acids may be used either singly or as combined.
[0083] The temperature for performing the acid treatment varies
depending on the type and the concentration of the acid to be used
and the treating time, but is preferably 100.degree. C. or
lower.
[0084] The time for performing the acid treatment also varies
depending on the type, the concentration and the temperature of the
acid to be used, but is preferably from 10 seconds to 5 hours from
the viewpoint of productivity, more preferably from 1 minute to 2
hours.
[0085] The concentration of the solution for performing the acid
treatment varies depending on the type and the temperature of the
acid to be used and the treating time, but is preferably a
concentration in which risk of container corrosion is less, and
specifically, the concentration thereof is preferably from 0.1 wt %
to 20 wt %.
[0086] The low-density layer is removed in alkali treatment to be
mentioned below, and a thicker low-density layer is preferred as
the glass surface is easy to remove. Accordingly, the thickness of
the low-density layer is preferably 5 nm or more from the viewpoint
of the amount of glass surface removal, more preferably 20 nm or
more. The thickness of the low-density layer may be controlled by
controlling the fusing agent concentration, the sodium
concentration, the temperature, the time and the like in the
chemical strengthening step.
[0087] The density of the low-density layer is preferably lower
than the density in the region (bulk) deeper than the ion-exchanged
compressive stress layer, from the viewpoint the glass surface
removability.
[0088] The thickness of the low-density layer may be determined
from the period (.DELTA..theta.) measured in X-ray reflectometry
(XRR).
[0089] The density of the low-density layer may be determined from
the critical angle (.theta.c) measured in XRR.
[0090] In a simplified manner, formation of a low-density layer and
the thickness of the layer may be confirmed through observation of
the cross section of a glass with a scanning electronic microscope
(SEM).
[0091] In the production method of the present invention, the
following step is performed after the acid treatment.
Step 6: Alkali Treatment
[0092] In the step 6, a part or all of the low-density layer formed
up to the step 5 may be removed [(c) to (d) in FIG. 1].
[0093] The step 6 is described in detail hereinunder.
(Step 6--Alkali Treatment--)
[0094] In the step 6, the glass having been subjected to the acid
treatment in the step 5 is further subjected to an alkali
treatment.
[0095] In the alkali treatment, the chemically strengthened glass
is immersed in a basic solution, whereby a part or all of the
low-density layer is removed.
[0096] The solution is not specifically limited so far as it is
basic and has a pH of more than 7, in which any of a weak base or a
strong base is usable. Specifically, a base such as sodium
hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium
carbonate or the like is preferred. These bases may be used either
singly or as combined.
[0097] The temperature for performing the alkali treatment varies
depending on the type and the concentration of the base to be used
and the treating time, but is preferably from 0 to 100.degree. C.,
more preferably from 10 to 80.degree. C., even more preferably from
20 to 60.degree. C. The temperature range is preferred as causing
no risk of glass corrosion.
[0098] The time for performing the alkali treatment also varies
depending on the type, the concentration and the temperature of the
base to be used, but is preferably from 10 seconds to 5 hours from
the viewpoint of productivity, more preferably from 1 minute to 2
hours.
[0099] The concentration of the solution for performing the alkali
treatment varies depending on the type and the temperature of the
base to be used and the treating time, but is preferably from 0.1
wt % to 20 wt % from the viewpoint of glass surface
removability.
[0100] Through the above-mentioned alkali treatment, a part or all
of the low-density layer with H having penetrated thereinto is
removed and the surface layer in which the hydrogen concentration
profile satisfies the specific relational equation (I) to be
described below is exposed out. Accordingly, a chemically
strengthened glass having an improved strength can be obtained.
Further, since the low-density layer is removed, the flaws existing
in the glass surface are also removed at the same time. Therefore,
it is considered that this point also contributes to the strength
improvement.
[0101] Between the above-mentioned acid treatment step 5 and the
alkali treatment step 6, or after the alkali treatment step 6, it
is preferable to perform a washing step like the step 4.
[0102] In the production method of the present invention, the
chemical liquids to be handled are highly safe and therefore the
method does not require any special equipment. Accordingly, a
chemically strengthened glass whose strength has dramatically
increased can be obtained safely and efficiently.
[0103] The amount of the low-density layer to be removed depends on
the alkali treatment condition. An embodiment in which the
low-density layer 10 has been completely removed is shown in (d) of
FIG. 1, however, a part of the low-density layer 10 may be removed
while a part thereof has remained. From the viewpoint of strength
improvement, the effect can be obtained even when not all the
low-density layer is removed, but from the viewpoint of stably
securing the transmittance of glass, it is preferable that all the
low-density layer is removed.
<Chemically Strengthened Glass>
[0104] The chemically strengthened glass obtained according to the
production method of the present invention is a chemically
strengthened glass having a compressive stress layer formed in the
surface layer thereof according to an ion exchange method, in which
the hydrogen concentration in the region to a certain depth from
the outermost surface of the glass satisfies the following
relational equation (I), and the glass surface does not have
polishing flaws.
[0105] The compressive stress layer is a high-density layer formed
through ion exchange of the Na ion in a glass surface with the K
ion in a molten salt by bringing a starting material glass into
contact with an inorganic molten salt such as potassium
nitrate.
[0106] In the chemically strengthened glass of the present
invention, the hydrogen concentration profile in the glass surface
layer falls within a specific range. Specifically, the hydrogen
concentration Y in a region to a depth X from the outermost surface
of the glass satisfies the following relational equation (I) at
X=from 0.1 to 0.4 (.mu.m).
Y=aX+b (I)
[In the equation (I), the meanings of the respective symbols are as
follows:
[0107] Y: hydrogen concentration (as H.sub.2O, mol/L)
[0108] X: depth from the outermost surface of glass (.mu.m)
[0109] a: from -0.255 to -0.005
[0110] b: from 0.020 to 0.215]
[0111] Regarding the strength of a glass, it is known that the
strength of a glass lowers owing to the presence of hydrogen
(moisture) in the glass, but the present inventors have found that
there is a concern that the strength of glass is lowered after the
chemical strengthening treatment, and the major cause thereof is
that moisture in the atmosphere penetrates into the glass to form
chemical defects. Further, the present inventors have found that
this phenomenon occurs not only through the chemical strengthening
but also through a heating step in glass production process.
[0112] When the hydrogen concentration in a glass is high, hydrogen
penetrates into the Si--O--Si bond network in the glass in the form
of Si--OH whereby the bond of Si--O--Si is cut. When the hydrogen
concentration in the glass is high, it is considered that the part
where the Si--O--Si bond is cut increases so that chemical defects
may be easily formed, whereby the strength is lowered.
[0113] The above-mentioned relational equation (I) holds in a
region of from the outermost surface to a depth X=from 0.1 to 0.4
.mu.m. The thickness of the compressive stress layer to be formed
through ion exchange falls within a range of from 5 to 50 .mu.m,
though it depends on the degree of chemical strengthening. The
hydrogen penetration depth into glass follows the diffusion
coefficient, temperature and time, and the hydrogen penetration
amount is influenced by the moisture amount in the atmosphere in
addition to these. The hydrogen concentration after chemical
strengthening is the highest in the outermost layer and gradually
reduces toward the deep part (bulk) where the compressive stress
layer is not formed. The above-mentioned relational equation (1)
defines the profile of the reduction, and in the outermost surface
(X=0 .mu.m), there is a possibility that the moisture concentration
may vary owing to time-dependent degradation, and therefore the
equation is defined to hold in a region of the near surface (X=from
0.1 to 0.4 .mu.m) not influenced by the variation.
[0114] In the equation (I), a indicates an inclination to define
the profile of reduction in the hydrogen concentration. The range
of a is from -0.255 to -0.005, preferably from -0.255 to -0.010,
more preferably from -0.255 to -0.020.
[0115] In the equation (I), b corresponds to the hydrogen
concentration in the outermost surface (X=0 .mu.m). The range of b
is from 0.020 to 0.215, preferably from 0.030 to 0.215, more
preferably from 0.040 to 0.215.
[0116] In general, the strength reduction of a glass is considered
to be caused by growth of microcracks existing in the glass surface
owing to the mechanical stress given thereto from the outside.
According to Non-Patent Document 2, when the glass structure at the
tip of a crack is in a Si--OH-richer state, it is considered that
the cracks easily grow. Assuming that the tips of cracks are
exposed out in the atmosphere, the Si--OH amount in the tip of the
crack is presumed to have a positive relationship to the hydrogen
concentration in the glass outermost surface. Accordingly, b
corresponding to the hydrogen concentration in the outermost
surface preferably falls within a low range to the degree as shown
above.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the glass processed through a
chemical strengthening step did not show any remarkable difference
in the hydrogen penetration depth. There is a possibility that the
hydrogen penetration depth may vary depending on the condition of
the chemical strengthening step, but if the depth does not change
at all, there appears a negative correlation between b that
corresponds to the hydrogen concentration in the outermost surface
and a that corresponds to the inclination to define the profile of
reduction in the hydrogen concentration. Accordingly, a preferably
falls within a high range to a degree as shown above.
[0118] As described above, in the present invention, it has been
found that, not only by defining the hydrogen concentration itself
alone in the surface layer but also by defining the hydrogen
concentration in the surface layer and the reduction profile
thereof each to fall within a specific range, with taking
particular note of the hydrogen concentration profile, the strength
of chemically strengthened glass can be greatly improved.
[Method for Measuring Hydrogen Concentration Profile]
[0119] Here, the hydrogen concentration profile (H.sub.2O
concentration, mol/L) of a glass is a profile measured under the
following analysis condition.
[0120] For measurement of the hydrogen concentration profile of a
glass substrate, a method of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
is employed. In a case where a quantitative hydrogen concentration
profile is obtained through SIMS, a standard sample whose hydrogen
concentration is known is necessary. A method for preparing the
standard sample and a method for determination of the hydrogen
concentration thereof are described below.
1) A part of the glass substrate to be analyzed is cut out. 2) A
region of 50 .mu.m or more from the surface of the thus-cut glass
substrate is removed by polishing or chemical etching. The removal
treatment is carried out on both surfaces. Namely, the thickness to
be removed on both surfaces is 100 .mu.m or more. The glass
substrate that has been subjected to the removal treatment is used
as a standard sample. 3) The standard sample is analyzed through
infrared spectroscopy (IR), and the absorbance height A.sub.3550 at
the peak top near 3,550 cm.sup.-1 in the IR spectrum and the
absorbance height A.sub.4000 (base line) at 4,000 cm.sup.-1 are
determined. 4) The thickness d (cm) of the standard sample is
measured using a thickness measuring device such as a micrometer.
5) With reference to the reference A, the hydrogen concentration
(as H.sub.2O, mol/L) in the standard sample is determined using the
formula II, in which the infrared practical absorbance index of
H.sub.2O in glass .epsilon..sub.pract (L/(molcm)) is 75.
Hydrogen concentration in standard
sample=(A.sub.3550-A.sub.4000)/(.epsilon..sub.practd) Formula
II
[0121] Reference A): S. Ilievski et al., Glastech. Ber. Glass Sci.
Technol., 73 (2000) 39.
[0122] The glass substrate to be analyzed and the standard sample
whose hydrogen concentration is known, as prepared according to the
above-mentioned method, are simultaneously fed into a SIMS device,
and analyzed sequentially to obtain the depth direction profiles of
the intensities of .sup.1H.sup.- and .sup.30Si.sup.-. Subsequently,
the .sup.1H.sup.- profile is divided by the .sup.30Si profile to
obtain a depth direction profile of .sup.1H.sup.-/.sup.30Si.sup.-
intensity ratio. From the depth direction profile of the
.sup.1H.sup.-/.sup.30Si.sup.- intensity ratio of the standard
sample, an average .sup.1H.sup.+/.sup.30Si.sup.- intensity ratio in
a region of a depth of from 1 .mu.m to 2 .mu.m is calculated, and a
calibration curve of this value and the hydrogen concentration is
drawn to pass through the origin (calibration curve with one-level
standard sample). Using the calibration curve, the
.sup.1H.sup.-/.sup.30Si.sup.- intensity ratio on the vertical axis
of the profile of the glass substrate to be analyzed is converted
into the hydrogen concentration. Accordingly, the hydrogen
concentration profile of the glass substrate to be analyzed is
obtained. The measurement conditions in SIMS and IR are as
follows.
[SIMS Measurement Condition]
[0123] Device: ADEPT1010 manufactured by ULVAC-PHI, Inc., Primary
ion species: Cs.sup.+ Primary ion accelerating voltage: 5 kV
Primary ion current value: 500 nA Primary ion incident angle:
60.degree. relative to the normal line of the sample plane Primary
ion luster size: 300.times.300 .mu.m.sup.2 Secondary ion polarity:
minus Secondary ion detection region: 60.times.60 .mu.m.sup.2 (4%
of luster size of primary ion)
ESA Input Lens: 0
[0124] Use of neutralization gun: yes Method of converting the
horizontal axis from sputtering time to depth: The depth of the
analysis crater is measured with a stylus surface profile analyzer
(Dektak 150, manufactured by Veeco Inc.), and the primary ion
sputtering rate is determined. Using the sputtering rate, the
horizontal axis is converted from the sputtering time to the depth.
Field Axis Potential in .sup.1H.sup.- detection: The optimum value
may change in every device. The operator should carefully define
the value so that the background is fully cut off.
[IR Measurement Condition]
[0125] Device: Nic-plan/Nicolet 6700, manufactured by Thermo Fisher
Scientific Co., Ltd. Resolution: 4 cm.sup.-1 Number of scans: 16
Detector: TGS detector
[0126] For deriving the relational equation (1) from the hydrogen
concentration profile (H.sub.2O concentration, mol/L) of the glass
determined under the above-mentioned analysis condition, the
following procedure is employed. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6,
linear approximation is applied to the hydrogen concentration
profile in a region of a depth of from 0.1 to 0.4 .mu.m. The
equation of the resultant approximation straight line is referred
to as the relational equation (I).
[0127] As a means of controlling a and b, for example, the fusing
agent concentration, sodium concentration, temperature and time in
the chemical strengthening step may be changed.
[0128] The chemically strengthened glass of the present invention
does not have polishing flaws on the surface thereof. Here,
polishing in the present invention means that the surface of a
glass is polished with abrasives for smoothing. The presence or
absence of polishing flaws may be discerned through surface
observation with AFM (Atomic Force Microscope). A case where two or
more scratches each having a length of 5 .mu.m or more and a width
of 0.1 .mu.m or more are not present in a region of 10
.mu.m.times.5 .mu.m can be said to be in a state that the surface
has no polishing flaws. FIG. 8 shows a state having surface
polishing flaws (in Reference Example 1 to be given below), and
FIG. 9 shows a state not having surface polishing flaws (in Example
1 to be given below).
(Glass Strength)
[0129] The strength of the chemically strengthened glass of the
present invention can be evaluated according to a ball-on-ring
test.
(Ball-on-Ring Test)
[0130] The chemically strengthened glass of the present invention
is evaluated in terms of the BOR strength F (N) measured by a
ball-on-ring (BOR) test, in which a glass sheet is disposed on a
stainless ring whose diameter is 30 mm and whose contact part has a
roundness with a curvature radius of 2.5 mm, and while a steel ball
having a diameter of 10 mm is kept in contact with the glass sheet,
the center of the ring is subjected to a load by the ball under a
static loading condition.
[0131] Preferably, the chemically strengthened glass of the present
invention satisfies F.gtoreq.1,500.times.t.sup.2, more preferably
F.gtoreq.2,000.times.t.sup.2. [In the formulae, F means the BOR
strength (N) measured by the ball-on-ring test, and t means the
thickness (mm) of the glass sheet.] When the BOR strength F (N)
falls within the range, the glass exhibits an excellent strength
even when formed into a thin sheet.
[0132] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view for explaining the
ball-on-ring test used in the present invention. In the
ball-on-ring (BOR) test, a glass sheet 1 is, while kept set
horizontally, pressurized by a pressurizing jig 2 made of SUS304
(hardened steel, diameter: 10 mm, mirror-finished) to measure the
strength of the glass sheet 1.
[0133] In FIG. 2, the glass sheet 1 to be a sample is horizontally
set on a receiving jig 3 made of SUS304 (diameter: 30 mm, radius of
curvature of the contact part R: 2.5 mm, the contact part is
hardened steel, mirror-finished). Above the glass sheet 1, a
pressurizing jig 2 for pressurizing the glass sheet 1 is
arranged.
[0134] In this embodiment, the center region of the glass sheet 1
obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples is pressurized from
above. The test condition is as mentioned below.
Descending Rate of Pressurizing Jig 2:1.0 (Mm/Min)
[0135] In this test, the fracture load (unit: N) at which the glass
is fractured is taken as a BOR strength. The average value of
twenty measured values thereof is taken as a BOR average strength.
However, in a case where the fracture origin of the glass sheet is
separated from the ball-pressing position by 2 mm or more, the
obtained value is excluded from the data for calculating the
average value.
[0136] The chemically strengthened glass of the present invention
further has the following physical properties.
[0137] The surface roughness in a measurement range of 10
.mu.m.times.5 .mu.m, as measured through surface observation with
AFM, is preferably 0.2 nm or more and 0.5 nm or less. In this
connection, the surface roughness of a conventional unpolished
chemically strengthened glass sheet is 0.15 nm or more and less
than 0.2 nm.
[0138] According to the method for producing a chemically
strengthened glass of the present invention, it is possible to
obtain a chemically strengthened glass having an improved strength
without polishing or subjecting an etching treatment using
hydrofluoric acid or the like after chemical strengthening.
Accordingly, irrespective of the degree of surface flaws, the
present invention is applicable to any and every type of glass and
the general versatility thereof is high. Then, since the treatment
can be allowed to proceed by immersing in the solution, the
production method is efficient from the standpoints that it is
liable to cope with various glass shapes and large-area glasses;
and that the both surfaces of the glass can be simultaneously
treated. In addition, irrespective of the presence or absence of
latent flaws on the glass surface, a chemically strengthened glass
free from an appearance failure due to a pit can be obtained.
Furthermore, as compared with etching treatment using hydrofluoric
acid or the like, the treatment in the present invention is highly
safe and inexpensive.
EXAMPLES
[0139] The present invention is described specifically with
reference to Examples given below, but the present invention is not
limited thereto.
<Evaluation Method>
[0140] Various evaluations in present Examples were performed
according to the analysis methods mentioned below.
(Evaluation of Glass: Surface Stress)
[0141] The compressive stress value of the compressive stress layer
and the depth of the compressive stress layer in the chemically
strengthened glass of the present invention can be measured using
EPMA (electron probe microanalyzer) or a surface stress meter (for
example, FSM-6000 manufactured by Orihara Manufacturing Co., Ltd.),
etc. In Examples, the surface compressive stress value (CS, unit:
MPa) and the depth of the compressive stress layer (DOL, unit:
.mu.m) were measured using a surface stress meter (FSM-6000)
manufactured by Orihara Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
(Evaluation of Glass: Removal Amount)
[0142] The removal amount thickness of a glass was determined by
measuring the weight thereof before and after chemical liquid
treatment, using an analytical electronic balance (HR-202i,
manufactured by A&D Company, Limited), and converting the found
value into a thickness according to the following equation.
(Removal amount thickness per one surface)=((weight before
treatment)-(weight after treatment))/(glass specific
gravity)/treated area/2
[0143] At this time, the calculation was made while defining the
glass specific gravity as 2.48 (g/cm.sup.3).
(Evaluation of Glass: Strength)
[0144] The glass strength was measured according to the
ball-on-ring (BOR) test. FIG. 2 shows a schematic view for
explaining the ball-on-ring test employed in the present invention.
A glass sheet 1 was, while kept set horizontally, pressurized by a
pressurizing jig 2 made of SUS304 (hardened steel, diameter 10 mm,
mirror-finished) to measure the strength of the glass sheet 1.
[0145] In FIG. 2, the glass sheet 1 to be a sample is horizontally
disposed on a receiving jig 3 made of SUS304 (diameter: 30 mm,
curvature radius of the contact part R: 2.5 mm, the contact part is
hardened steel, mirror-finished). Above the glass sheet 1, a
pressurizing jig 2 for pressurizing the glass sheet 1 is
arranged.
[0146] In this embodiment, the center region of the glass sheet 1
obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples was pressurized from
the above of the glass sheet 1. The test condition is as mentioned
below.
Descending Rate of Pressurizing Jig 2:1.0 (Mm/Min)
[0147] In this test, the fracture load (unit: N) at which the glass
was fractured was taken as a BOR strength. The average value of
twenty measured values thereof was taken as a BOR average strength.
However, in a case where the fracture origin of the glass sheet was
separated from the ball-pressing position by 2 mm or more, the
obtained value was excluded from the data for calculating the
average value.
(Evaluation of Glass: Hydrogen Concentration)
[0148] According to the method described in the section of [Method
for Measuring Hydrogen Concentration Profile] given hereinabove,
the hydrogen concentration profile was determined and the
relational equation (I) was derived therefrom.
Example 1
Chemically Strengthening Step
[0149] In a SUS-made cup, 5,100 g of potassium nitrate, 270 g of
potassium carbonate and 210 g of sodium nitrate were introduced,
and the contents were heated to 450.degree. C. with a mantle heater
to prepare a molten salt containing 6 mol % of sodium carbonate and
10,000 ppm by weight of sodium. Aluminosilicate glass A having
dimensions of 50 mm.times.50 mm.times.0.56 mm was prepared,
preheated at 200 to 400.degree. C., and subjected to a chemical
strengthening treatment by immersing in the molten salt at
450.degree. C. for 2 hours for ion exchange and cooling to around
room temperature. The resultant chemically strengthened glass was
washed with water and subjected to the next step.
[0150] Composition of the aluminosilicate glass A (in terms of mol
%): SiO.sub.2 64.4%, Al.sub.2O.sub.3 8.0%, Na.sub.2O 12.5%,
K.sub.2O 4.0%, MgO 10.5%, CaO 0.1%, SrO 0.1%, BaO 0.1%, ZrO.sub.2
0.5%
(Acid Treatment Step)
[0151] In a beaker, 13.4 wt % hydrochloric acid (HCl, manufactured
by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.) was prepared, and the temperature
thereof was adjusted to 41.degree. C. using a water bath. The glass
obtained in the chemical strengthening step was immersed in the
hydrochloric acid whose temperature was adjusted, for 180 seconds
to perform acid treatment, and then washed with pure water several
times, and thereafter dried with air blowing. The resultant glass
was subjected to the next step.
(Alkali Treatment Step)
[0152] An aqueous solution of 4.0 wt % sodium hydroxide was
prepared in a beaker, and the temperature thereof was adjusted to
40.degree. C. using a water bath. The glass obtained in the acid
treatment step was immersed in the sodium hydroxide aqueous
solution whose temperature was adjusted, for 120 seconds to perform
alkali treatment, and then washed with pure water several times,
and thereafter dried with air blowing.
[0153] Thus, a chemically strengthened glass of Example 1 was
obtained.
Example 2
[0154] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 1, except that the molten salt temperature and
the ion-exchanging time were 430.degree. C. and 30 minutes,
respectively.
Example 3
[0155] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 1, except that aluminosilicate glass B having
dimensions of 50 mm.times.50 mm.times.0.7 mm and having the
following composition was used in place of the aluminosilicate
glass A, that the K.sub.2CO.sub.3 concentration in the chemical
strengthening, and the HCl concentration, the temperature and the
time in the acid treatment were changed, and that potassium
hydroxide was used in the alkali treatment in place of sodium
hydroxide.
[0156] Composition of the aluminosilicate glass B (in terms of mol
%): SiO.sub.2 66.8%, Al.sub.2O.sub.3 10.8%, Na.sub.2O 13.2%,
K.sub.2O 2.4%, MgO 6.2%, CaO 0.6%
Example 4
[0157] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 2, except that the aluminosilicate glass B was
used.
Comparative Example 1
[0158] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 1, except that the sodium amount in the molten
salt in the chemical strengthening step was changed to a value
shown in Table 1, that the addition amount of potassium carbonate
was changed to 0 g, and that the acid treatment step and the alkali
treatment step were omitted.
Comparative Example 2
[0159] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 2, except that the sodium amount in the molten
salt in the chemical strengthening step was changed to a value
shown in Table 1, that the addition amount of potassium carbonate
was changed to 0 g, and that the acid treatment step and the alkali
treatment step were omitted.
Comparative Example 3
[0160] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 3, except that the sodium amount in the molten
salt in the chemical strengthening step was changed to a value
shown in Table 1, that the addition amount of potassium carbonate
was changed to 0 g, and that the acid treatment step and the alkali
treatment step were omitted.
[0161] The thus-obtained chemically strengthened glass was
evaluated for various properties. The results are shown in Table
1.
[0162] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show graphs in which the hydrogen
concentration profile in the surface layer of each chemically
strengthened glass obtained in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative
Examples 1 to 3 was plotted.
[0163] Further, FIG. 7 shows a Weibull plot of BOR strength
evaluation of each of chemically strengthened glasses obtained in
Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. FIG. 7 shows a Weibull plot of
BOR strength evaluation of an aluminosilicate glass sheet sample
having a thickness of 0.56 mm. The horizontal axis of the graph
indicates a logarithm ln (.sigma.) of the fracture load .sigma.
(N), and the vertical axis thereof indicates a cumulative fracture
probability percentage P (%) relative to the sample in each of the
two groups.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example
1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Type
of Glass aluminosilicate alumino- alumino- alumino- alumino-
alumino- alumino- glass silicate silicate silicate silicate
silicate silicate glass glass glass glass glass glass Chemical
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 mol % 6 6 8 6 0 0 0 Strengthening Na amount wt ppm
10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 1,000 1,000 10,000 Temperature .degree.
C. 450 430 450 430 450 430 450 Time min 120 30 120 30 120 30 120
Acid Chemical liquid type HCl HCl HCl HCl -- -- -- Treatment
Concentration wt % 13.4 13.4 18.5 13.4 -- -- -- Temperature
.degree. C. 41 41 38 41 -- -- -- Time sec 180 180 25 180 -- -- --
Alkali Chemical liquid type NaOH NaOH KOH NaOH -- -- -- Treatment
Concentration wt % 4 4 4 4 -- -- -- Temperature .degree. C. 40 40
40 40 -- -- -- Time sec 120 120 120 120 -- -- -- Sheet Thickness mm
0.56 0.56 0.7 0.7 0.56 0.56 0.7 Strength N 871 773 797 743 599 597
433 F > 2000t.sup.2 Satisfied Satisfied Not satisfied Not
satisfied Not satisfied Not satisfied Not satisfied F >
1500t.sup.2 Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied
Satisfied Not satisfied Surface Removal Amount nm 154 45 180 33 --
-- -- Equation (I) a -0.159 -0.247 -0.109 -0.186 -0.295 -0.423
-0.257 b 0.138 0.208 0.100 0.147 0.311 0.315 0.255 CS MPa 666 645
688 746 736 721 603 DOL .mu.m 39 18 38 16 42 20 37 Surface
Polishing Flaws Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
Absent
[0164] From the results in Table 1, Examples 1 and 2 are compared
with Comparative Examples 1 and 2 all having the same glass
composition. The chemically strengthened glass of Examples 1 and 2
obtained according to the production method of the present
invention is greatly improved in the strength, as compared to the
chemically strengthened glass of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 in
which no fusing agent is used and acid treatment and alkali
treatment are omitted. Similarly, the chemically strengthened glass
of Examples 3 and 4 is greatly improved in the strength, as
compared to the chemically strengthened glass of Comparative
Example 3.
[0165] From the results in FIG. 7, the average fracture load in
Example 1 is 871 N, but is 599 N in Comparative Example 1. The 10%
fracture load (B10) is 842 N in Example 1, but is 362 N in
Comparative Example 1. The 1% fracture load (B1) is 803 N in
Example 1, but is 190 N in Comparative Example 1. It can be seen
from these results that Example 1 does not produce low-strength
products, and the products obtained have greatly improved
reliability for the strength.
Reference Example 1
[0166] The same aluminosilicate glass as in Comparative Example 1
was chemically strengthened using the same molten salt as in
Comparative Example 1, at a chemical strengthening temperature of
435.degree. C. for a chemical strengthening period of time of 4
hours. Subsequently, cerium oxide having an average particle size
of 1.2 .mu.m (SHOROX. A-10, manufactured by Showa Denko KK) was
dispersed in water to prepare a slurry having a specific gravity of
1.09, and using a polishing pad (swede-type H7000-507(2.0)-ND:
manufactured by Fujibo Ehime Co., Ltd.) under a polishing pressure
of 10 kPa, the chemically strengthened glass was polished in an
amount of 0.6 .mu.m per surface. An image obtained by observing the
glass surface with AFM is shown in FIG. 8. The surface roughness
(Ra) determined through AFM measurement was 0.40 nm.
[0167] The surface observation image of the chemically strengthened
glass produced in Example 1 is shown in FIG. 9. The surface
roughness (Ra) determined through AFM measurement was 0.31 nm.
[0168] AFM measurement condition: Atomic Force Microscope (XE-HDM:
manufactured by Park Systems Co., Ltd.), scanning size: 10.times.5
.mu.m, color scale: .+-.1 nm, scanning speed: 1 Hz
Example 5
[0169] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 1, except that the glass sheet thickness, the
sodium amount in the molten salt in the chemical strengthening
step, the chemical strengthening temperature, the chemical
strengthening time, the time for the acid treatment and the time
for the alkali treatment were changed to values shown in Table 2,
respectively.
Example 6
[0170] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 1, except that aluminosilicate glass C having
a composition shown below was used in place of the aluminosilicate
glass A, and that the chemical liquid, the temperature and the time
in the acid treatment were changed to values shown in Table 2,
respectively.
[0171] Composition of the aluminosilicate glass C (in terms of mol
%): SiO.sub.2 68%, Al.sub.2O.sub.3 10%, Na.sub.2O 14%, MgO 8%
Example 7
[0172] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 6, except that the sodium amount in the molten
salt in the chemical strengthening step, the chemical strengthening
temperature and the chemical strengthening time were changed to
values shown in Table 2, respectively.
Example 8
[0173] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 6, except that aluminoborosilicate glass
having dimensions of 50 mm.times.50 mm.times.0.7 mm and having a
composition shown below was used in place of the aluminosilicate
glass A.
[0174] Composition of the aluminoboro silicate glass (in terms of
mol %): SiO.sub.2 67%, B.sub.2O.sub.3 4%, Al.sub.2O.sub.3 13%,
Na.sub.2O 14%, K.sub.2O<1%, MgO 2%, CaO<1%
Comparative Example 4
[0175] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Example 1, except that the sodium amount in the molten
salt in the chemical strengthening step was changed to a value
shown in Table 2, that the addition amount of potassium carbonate
was changed to 0 g, and that the acid treatment step and the alkali
treatment step were omitted.
Comparative Example 5
[0176] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Comparative Example 4, except that the glass sheet
thickness, the chemical strengthening temperature and the chemical
strengthening time were changed to values shown in Table 2,
respectively.
Comparative Example 6
[0177] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Comparative Example 5, except that the aluminosilicate
glass C was used in place of the aluminosilicate glass A, and that
the chemical strengthening condition was changed as shown in Table
2.
Comparative Example 7
[0178] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Comparative Example 6, except that etching treatment
with hydrofluoric acid under the following condition was carried
out after the chemical strengthening step.
[0179] Etching with hydrofluoric acid: After the chemical
strengthening, the glass sheet was immersed in an aqueous solution
containing HF 0.1 wt % and HCl 18.5 wt % at 25.degree. C. for 120
seconds, and washed with ion-exchanged water.
Comparative Example 8
[0180] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Comparative Example 7, except that the etching
treatment with hydrofluoric acid was performed by immersing the
chemically strengthened glass sheet in an aqueous solution
containing HF 1 wt % and HCl 18.5 wt % at 25.degree. C. for 240
seconds, followed by washing in ion-exchanged water.
Comparative Example 9
[0181] A chemically strengthened glass was produced in the same
manner as in Comparative Example 6, except that the
aluminoborosilicate glass was used.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example 1 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7
Example 8 Type of Glass aluminosilicate aluminosilicate
aluminosilicate aluminosilicate aluminoborosilicate glass A glass A
glass C glass C glass Chemical K.sub.2CO.sub.3 mol % 6 6 6 6 6
Strengthening Na amount wt ppm 10,000 4,000 10,000 6,000 10,000
Temperature .degree. C. 450 430 450 420 450 Time min 120 40 120 210
120 Hydrofluoric Chemical type -- -- -- -- -- Acid liquid Treatment
Acid Chemical type HCl HCl HNO.sub.3 HNO.sub.3 HNO.sub.3 Treatment
liquid Concentration wt % 13.4 13.4 6 6 6 Temperature .degree. C.
41 41 41 40 41 Time sec 180 277 120 120 120 Alkali Chemical type
NaOH NaOH NaOH NaOH NaOH Treatment liquid Concentration wt % 4 4 4
4 4 Temperature .degree. C. 40 40 40 40 40 Time sec 120 277 120 120
120 Sheet Thickness mm 0.56 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.70 Strength N 871 1101
1362 1294 1053 X: F > Xt.sup.2 2777 2165 2650 2517 2179 Surface
Removal Amount nm 154 50 159 192 186 CS MPa 666 759 881 958 756 DOL
.mu.m 39 22 28 27 35 Surface Polishing Flaws Absent Absent Absent
Absent Absent Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative
Comparative Comparative Example 4 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7
Example 8 Example 9 Type of Glass aluminosilicate aluminosilicate
aluminosilicate aluminosilicate aluminosilicate aluminoborosilicate
glass A glass A glass C glass C glass C glass Chemical
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 mol % 0 0 0 0 0 0 Strengthening Na amount wt ppm
4,000 4,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 Temperature .degree. C. 450 430
450 450 450 450 Time min 120 40 120 120 120 120 Hydrofluoric
Chemical type -- -- -- HF/HCl HF/HCl -- Acid Treatment liquid Acid
Chemical type -- -- -- -- -- -- Treatment liquid Concentration wt %
-- -- -- -- -- -- Temperature .degree. C. -- -- -- -- -- -- Time
sec -- -- -- -- -- -- Alkali Chemical type -- -- -- -- -- --
Treatment liquid Concentration wt % -- -- -- -- -- -- Temperature
.degree. C. -- -- -- -- -- -- Time sec -- -- -- -- -- -- Sheet
Thickness mm 0.56 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.71 0.68 Strength N 455 687 1067
1153 1356 413 X: F > Xt.sup.2 1432 1333 2013 2271 2690 858
Surface Removal Amount nm -- -- -- 216 3800 -- CS MPa 707 679 933
932 851 779 DOL .mu.m 45 20 28 27 26 37 Surface Polishing Flaws
Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
[0182] Comparing Example 1 and Example 5 with Comparative Example 4
and Comparative Example 5, it can be seen that chemical
strengthening with potassium carbonate added to the chemical
strengthening salt followed by acid treatment and alkali treatment
greatly increases the strength of the resultant glass.
[0183] In addition, in Comparative Example 7 and Comparative
Example 8 in which hydrofluoric acid etching treatment is
performed, the surface removal amount is larger than those in
Examples 6 and 7, but in Comparative Example 7 and Comparative
Example 8, any of the CS value or the strength is smaller than
those in Examples 6 and 7. Namely, it can be seen that, according
to the production method of the present invention, a chemically
strengthened glass excellent in both the CS value and the strength
can be obtained.
[0184] From comparison between Example 8 and Comparative Example 9,
it can be seen that, even when the type of a glass is changed, a
chemically strengthened glass having improved strength can be
obtained according to the production method of the present
invention.
Comparative Example 10, Example 9, Comparative Example 11
[0185] Each of chemically strengthened glasses was produced
(Comparative Example 10, Example 9, Comparative Example 11) in the
same manner as in the above-mentioned Comparative Example 4,
Example 1 and Comparative Example 7, respectively, except that a
glass having thereon artificial flaws formed by contacting a cube
corner diamond indenter having a tip angle of 90 degree to the
surface of the glass and moving it in the horizontal direction at a
speed of 0.1 mm/sec while the indenter applies 10 g vertical load
to the surface, was used. The observation images with a scanning
electronic microscope of the surface of each chemically
strengthened glass are shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C.
[0186] In the glass of Example 9 (FIG. 10B) produced according to
the production method of the present invention, there is no change
in the flaws, like in the glass of Comparative Example 10 (FIG.
10A) produced through ordinary chemical strengthening. However, in
the glass of Comparative Example 11 (FIG. 10C) in which the glass
was etched with hydrofluoric acid after the ordinary chemical
strengthening, the flaws enlarged. From this, it can be seen that,
when a glass having latent flaws on the surface thereof is etched
with hydrofluoric acid or the like, the latent flaws enlarge to
cause outward appearance failure by pits. On the other hand, it can
be seen that, according to the production method of the present
invention, a chemically strengthened glass having improved strength
can be produced without enlarging the latent flaws on the glass
surface. Accordingly, the production method of the present
invention is also applicable to a glass having polishing flaws.
[0187] While the present invention has been described in detail and
with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent
to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. The present application is based on a Japanese patent
application filed on Jul. 19, 2013 (Japanese Patent Application No.
2013-151116), and the content thereof is herein incorporated by
reference.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0188] According to the present invention, a chemically
strengthened glass whose strength has been dramatically improved
can be obtained safely and inexpensively. The chemically
strengthened glass of the present invention is usable as a cover
glass for displays such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and
touch panel displays.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS
[0189] 10: Low-density layer [0190] 20: Compressive stress layer
[0191] 30: Interlayer
* * * * *